The purpose of engaging intelligently with profound matters according to Je Tsongkhapa for example, is not to win debates, construct philosophical systems, or establish superiority over others. It is to remove the causes of suffering and cultivate the causes of liberation for oneself and all sentient beings.
A Tsongkhapa-inspired presentation might read:
We investigate the nature of self, mind, reality, and dependent origination because ignorance is the root of suffering. So long as beings grasp themselves and phenomena as inherently existing, attachment, aversion, pride, jealousy, and fear inevitably arise. From these afflictions come harmful actions, and from harmful actions come suffering for oneself and others.
Therefore, understanding reality is not merely an intellectual exercise. It is an act of compassion.
Tsongkhapa repeatedly emphasises that wisdom and compassion must arise together.
Without wisdom, compassion lacks the power to uproot the causes of suffering.
Without compassion, wisdom becomes a cause for spiritual pride.
Thus the Bodhisattva cultivates both.
Arrogance and Ignorance
Considering Tsongkhapa’s realisation and exposition, arrogance arises from a mistaken apprehension of self.
One imagines:
“I truly exist.”
“My views truly exist.”
“My status truly exists.”
“My achievements truly exist.”
From this grasping come comparison, competition, attachment to praise, fear of blame, and the many divisions that separate human beings from one another.
Yet upon analysis no independent self can be found.
The self functions conventionally.
But no self exists from its own side.
Likewise, the person we dislike.
Likewise, the person we admire.
Likewise, all beings.
This understanding naturally softens pride.
As Tsongkhapa explains, wisdom seeing emptiness undermines the basis upon which arrogance is established.
Common Humanity and Interdependence
In modern language we may speak of common humanity and interconnectedness.
In Tsongkhapa’s language we speak of dependent origination.
No person exists independently.
No society exists independently.
No ecosystem exists independently.
No life exists independently.
Every meal depends upon countless beings.
Every breath depends upon countless causes and conditions.
Every moment of happiness depends upon others.
Seeing this, gratitude naturally arises.
Compassion naturally arises.
Responsibility naturally arises.
One no longer sees oneself as separate from the welfare of others.
Why This Matters for Planet Earth
A Madhyamaka understanding does not lead to indifference.
Quite the opposite.
Because phenomena arise dependently, actions matter.
Because beings suffer, compassion matters.
Because causes produce effects, ethical conduct matters.
Because future experiences arise through present causes, caring for others and caring for the world matter.
When ignorance dominates, beings act as though separate from one another.
When wisdom grows, one recognises:
My welfare depends upon others.
Others’ welfare depends upon me.
Humanity depends upon the living world.
The living world depends upon innumerable causes and conditions.
This is not a mystical claim but an expression of dependent origination.
The Bodhisattva Vow
For Tsongkhapa, the highest motivation is bodhicitta:
“For the benefit of all sentient beings, I shall attain complete awakening.”
The Bodhisattva does not seek liberation for personal peace alone.
Seeing that all beings desire happiness and wish to avoid suffering exactly as oneself, the Bodhisattva takes responsibility for the welfare of all.
This responsibility is not based upon commandment, divine decree, or obligation imposed from outside.
It arises naturally from wisdom and compassion.
The more deeply emptiness is understood, the more profoundly compassion unfolds.
Wisdom and Awakening
Ultimately, Tsongkhapa teaches that wisdom realising emptiness directly perceives that:
The self lacks inherent existence.
Others lack inherent existence.
All phenomena lack inherent existence.
Yet this does not negate conventional reality.
Karma still functions.
Compassion still functions.
Ethics still functions.
The Bodhisattva path still functions.
Because all are dependently arisen.
Thus, awakening occurs within the continuum of mind by directly realising the inseparability of emptiness and dependent origination.
When grasping at “I,” “me,” and “mine” is finally severed through direct yogic perception, consciousness is liberated from ignorance. What remains is not an isolated self, nor union with an inherently existing creator, but the spontaneous expression of boundless wisdom and compassion.
In the spirit of Tsongkhapa, we study, reflect, and meditate upon these matters because:
Ignorance harms ourselves and others.
Wisdom benefits ourselves and others.
Compassion unites ourselves and others.
And when wisdom understands that no being stands apart from dependent origination, the Bodhisattva’s vow becomes the most rational and compassionate response possible to the reality we all share.